Prominent African celebrities, diplomats and key stakeholders in the creative industry gathered in Lagos on Wednesday evening for the Welcome Soirée marking the official opening of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) week.
The exclusive event, hosted at the Deputy British High Commission Residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, brought together AFRIMA nominees, industry leaders, global partners and creatives for an evening of cultural exchange, networking and celebration of African music.
Celebrities in attendance included filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, actress Juliet Ibrahim, Congolese music icon Koffi Olomide and Nigerian rapper Falz, among others.
Speaking at the event, President of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said the platform was designed to go beyond music awards by fostering unity, collaboration and positive narratives about Africa.
He noted that AFRIMA remained committed to telling Africa’s authentic stories through music while positioning the continent as a competitive force in the global creative economy.
“Music is one of Africa’s most powerful means of expression and identity. Through AFRIMA, we are building bridges between nations, changing perceptions and creating opportunities for African talents and professionals,” Dada said.
According to him, AFRIMA also serves as a strategic platform for cultural diplomacy, economic empowerment and global engagement within the African creative industry.
“Our goal is to ensure that African music continues to command respect, relevance and value on the global stage, while creating sustainable opportunities for the next generation,” he added.
Dada stressed the importance of partnerships with governments, the media and other stakeholders to sustain the growth of Africa’s creative ecosystem.
“Strategic collaboration remains critical to creating enabling policies, expanding opportunities and ensuring long-term value for creative talents across the continent. A united approach among key players will strengthen Africa’s creative economy and position it competitively on the global stage,” he said.
NAN reports that the Welcome Soirée featured a rich cultural ambience and informal interactions, setting the tone for a series of events lined up for AFRIMA week.
Since its inception, AFRIMA has played a significant role in promoting African music, culture and identity globally, while strengthening unity among African countries.
The 2025 edition of AFRIMA is scheduled to hold in Lagos from Jan. 7 to Jan. 11.